Category: Author Interview

Book: The Lighthouse Keeper

Q1.  Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Sure, my name is David Richards.  I’ve had many titles in my life, from Marine to yoga instructor to author and dad.  Perhaps my two favorite titles are “friend” and “storyteller”.  I grew up moving every few years as my dad was in the Marines too, and spent three years in Japan before I was 14.  After seeing the world as a Marine myself for 15 years, I decided it was time for a change and ventured into the corporate world.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’ book?

I think the biggest challenge was making the story interesting.  I had never tried to write an educational fiction story before, but it was important to me that I make the most of the analogy found within the book.  That, and making the characters relatable.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Stephen King has always been a favorite…I just love how he creates characters.  Growing up, I loved comic books, and those have certainly played a role in sparking my creativity.  Perhaps the book that has most significantly influenced my life has been Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill.  I’ve only read it once, but that book has led me to so many incredible discoveries about myself.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

The ocean off the coast of North Carolina. There’s a small island called Emerald Isle that I’ve gone to since I was a teenager.  It always feels like a small town, and that makes me feel like it’s home.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

It really depends on the book.  I’ve started writing some stories that took place thousands of years ago.  The trick is, you have to be careful.  I’ve never finished those stories because I got so caught up in researching the history of the culture and place I was writing about…that eventually became more interesting than the story.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’ book?

The idea was born out of my first book, Whiskey and Yoga, which came out in 2017. I didn’t do anything with it until December of 2018, when I listened to Dandapani talk about a very similar idea as it relates to the mind and our awareness.  That sparked the idea.  I started writing in January, had one major adjustment to make after meeting with my editor in July, then finished the book in September of 2019.  It released this summer.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’ book to buy?

It’s on my website and available on Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’?

Someone recommend a good cover designer. They sent me four ideas based on our conversations, but this one immediately became my favorite.  It’s simple but elegant.  The title just seemed a natural extension of the idea that our mind is an ocean and our awareness is a lighthouse.  Someone has to be the lighthouse keeper that maintains the light.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

That’s the beauty of writing.  The first person the story has to excite is the author.  Going back to Stephen King, after he wrote Pet Sematary (my favorite from him) he refused to publish it because it frightened him.  THAT is the experience every author wants from their writing.  Not necessarily of fear, but certainly to feel something.  Whiskey and Yoga excited me because I finished it, and up until that point, I really didn’t know if I could write a book.  The Lighthouse Keeper excited me because I really think it’s a good story, and there’s a big part of me in the book.  That said, it’s exciting when you create characters that feel real.  In that sense, you kind of have to let the characters write themselves.  That’s what makes writing fun; getting to the point where your characters write themselves.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

In some ways, it’s a story about our creation.  It’s not immediately evident, but it’s in there.  You just have to ask yourself…if the characters in the story represent something more than just people, how does that evolve the story?

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Book Is Available On Amazon

The Lighthouse Keeper

Book: The Spell

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hello, I’m C.V. Shaw, author of The Spell…my debut fiction fantasy novel. I LOVE to make up stories. I’m always making a story in my head. I also write poetry and short stories.  I love the world of magic and still get excited to watch Mary Poppins. I was born and reside in the United States. I have two grown children, and by daytime I am a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and a Quantum Energy Medicine practitioner. I also teach Mindscape.  A course that teaches you how to use the full potential of your mind. Like I said, I love magic!

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Spell’ book?

One of the bigger challenges was writing the one scene at the beginning that would make it all come together at the end without giving too much away. 
Also I believe all writing comes from a subconscious aspect of ourselves that needs healing and we symbolize it creatively through our imagination, so naturally, some unhealed parts of me were triggered at a few different points throughout the story. 
And lastly, finishing the story, gave me a sense of grief because it was over.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Edgar Allen Poe, Guy de Maupassant and Alison Weir.  As per books, too many books to mention, but Snow White and the Huntsman,  Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman all books by Alison Weir.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

As childish as this may sound, it’s the truth…Disney World.  I’m very lucky because it is only 4 hours by car from where I live.  It truly is a magical place.  My inner-child is unleashed.  The park never ceases to amaze me and the energy of fairy tales is so alive. I love it there!

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

I’m sure there is…but I just dove in head first and the timeline and organization aspect figured itself out as I went along.  I always say I feel it wrote itself and I was just a channel.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Spell’ book?

Exactly 7 months.  (Now, the editing…well that’s a whole other animal).

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Spell’ book to buy?

Barnes & Noble, Target.com, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop, Walmart, Google Books

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Spell’?

The cover took a few tries.  My designs were too one-dimensional.  I wanted to combine the elements of the story and also elicit the mood.I wanted the person to feel as if they time- traveled there by  just looking at the cover of the book.  Thank God my cover designer and illustrator (there’s a map) Karen Taylor @artbykarentaylor took over and it was like she waved a wand and poof there it was.  She’s beyond amazing.
As per the title, well I felt like  the actual “spell” held such a presence in the book, that  it demanded to be the title.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

If I feel it starts to get boring for me, then I know it will be boring for the reader too.  When you get around the middle, it is common the story can take a dip…so I inserted a back story that had excitement in it.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

There are secrets, but I would be giving away too much away if I gave them up…just gonna have to read to find out.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Spell

Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

I was a working journalist for 35 years, three newspapers, an investigative reporter for the Associated Press, and a Producer and Executive Producer for CBS News. Along the way there were three Emmys among the awards for investigative documentaries that I wrote, produced and directed. So it was time to move on, tackling serious writing as an author, only to be struck with macular degeneration which has left me legally blind for more than a decade. Yeah, you could say this would be an enormous handicap for an author wanna-be, and initially it was. Then I decided what the hell, let’s turn it into a strength. So with the help of state-of-the art computer, audio-visual devices and an assistant who has been with me for more than a decade. I have completed one non-fiction book and the first two books of my Passaic River Trilogy, “Father Divine’s Bikes” and ”Payback-Tales of Love and Revenge.”

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Father Divine’s Bikes’ book?

We’ve already discussed the blindness issue. The main problem to be overcome was the slow rate of progress. As a former journalist, I quite often had to meet demanding deadlines, and if I didn’t, it would be “move on, buddy, this isn’t the job for you.” Now, I had to rely on technology and assistance to get my work done. It was not an easy transition.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Noir crime fiction has always been a magnet for me. Two authors with too many titles under their belt for me to list are James Ellroy and John MacDonald. Like me, both are minimalists who do very little moralizing and view adverbs and adjectives as necessary evils to be used sparingly.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

It’s a toss-up. The mind boggling natural artistry that created the magnificent red rock mesas, cliffs and valleys in and around Sedona, Arizona have always captivated me. San Francisco, where for several years I was an Urban Affairs investigative reporter, is another magnet that draws me back every year.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

Research, research, research. My Passaic River Trilogy rests squarely on the shoulders of characters entwined together more than 70 years ago. So you can imagine the work needed to authenticate dates, dialogue (especially urban slang), and the prevailing social-economic trends, good and bad, at that time.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Payback-Tales Of Love,Hate and Revenge’ book?

From concept to final edited draft, it took about two and a half years.

Q7. As an author, what does success means to you?

I know this may sound strange, but wide notoriety as an author was never a prime consideration when I made the switch from journalism to literary writing. I never had an overwhelming drive to make big bucks on my books. Sure, it would be great but being realistic, as a first-time independent author-publisher, I never visualized snapping rubber bands around fat bankrolls. What has been rewarding is the large number of reviews, especially those from hard-nosed professional critics that convinced me that the message of the Passaic River Trilogy was clearly getting across.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Payback-Tales Of Love, Hate and Revenge’?

The book is set in 1946, more than a year after the end of WWII. The euphoria of victory was gone and people from every social-economic class were beginning to question what had really been won. How could it be possible that the global carnage and human devastation originated in two of the most advanced countries in their regions, Germany in western Europe, and Japan in Asia. When Nazi and Neo-Nazi scientists, who had used slave labor drawn from nearby death camps for their research and development, were given Hollywood red-carpet treatment when they migrated to the United States, coast-to-coast anger erupted. I wanted the cover to be as graphic and yes, even gruesome enough, to depict the barbed-wire hell that was Germany for twelve years. Payback was necessary, along with all the ingredients that made it possible – love, hate and finally revenge.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

An easy answer would be to identify the reader not only with my characters, but with the settings as well. Except for a few obvious exceptions, there are no totally good or bad characters. We are all flawed. We rationalize our shortcomings, and in noir crime fiction, everyone has them. I try to push the reality envelope to the extreme while still making the characters’ actions plausible and believable. The setting for a character’s action must be believable while at the same time extraordinary enough to hold a reader’s interest.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

One character, who in fact has been called an unexpected plot presence, should be followed closely by the reader. Only six-years-old, Muriel has packed a lifetime into her childhood. The passages devoted to Muriel are highly autobiographical. I don’t know if it would be called revealing a “secret” or not, but as a kid I spent five years in two Catholic orphanages, and like Muriel, these years changed my life for the better.

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Father Divine’s Bikes

Payback-Tales of Love and Revenge

Book: Notes Left In Time

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. Yes! My name is Jaclyn, you’ll sometimes see me go by Jaclina (a family nickname) or Jaclyn Aisling, Aisling is my middle name.

Q2. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Notes Left In Time’?

A2. The cover was intuitively designed by a contracted artist, while the title was original to my theme of using the “notes” in my iPhone.

Q3. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

A3. I write what only comes to me, when I feel moved to write it.  Everything you read is authentic in that I hear the poem of sorts play out in my head prior to typing it in my phone.  It’s almost spiritual or cathartic.

Q4. What does success means to you?

A4. Success?  That’s tough, I’ve often bounced between near last place and first.  It’s a balance.  There’s a lesson either way. You win some or lose some.  You won’t win all, but there something to gain regardless.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

A5. With my poetry book(s),no, my second and upcoming project, Lessons Learned in Time, is more writing and less poetry.  There’s more that goes into this for me.  Only speaking for myself, it’s an exciting, emotional process, but the finished product, much like each poem I write, is well worth it.

Q6. How long did it take you to write this book?

A6. Honestly? Off and on about 6 years or so.  Crazy, I know!

Q7. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A7. Newport, RI My birthplace.  Growing up,I’d spend my summers in Rhode Island.  I have so many fond memories of Newport.  The beaches, boat races, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, downtown Newport, kite festival, the list goes on.  Not to mention the history, which I’m still learning.

Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Notes Left In Time’ book?

A8. The biggest challenge was me facing my own insecurities and accepting opinions on my work.

Q9. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A9. The first full poetry book I read was Tupac Shakur.  I had recently started writing and was given his book to read.  Currently, I go on and off listening to Edgar Allan Poe on Audible.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

A10. Everything is a matter of perception, these poems, take them how you will.  I wrote them, some of them, quite literally. It’s up to you to figure out which one are which.  There are hidden messages in most of my poems, especially the ones pertaining to me. 

Stay tuned for Lessons Learned in Time! 2022.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Notes Left In Time

Q1.  Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hi there. My name is Douglas S. Pierce, and I am the author of The Hunted Maiden and The Seedling’s Song. I live in Metro Detroit (in the United States). I have been married to my beautiful wife Patricia for more than 28 years. We are the proud parents of our daughter Kerry. We have a couple of Shiba Inu dogs named Akira and Yuna, and a black cat named Harley. I am a veteran of the 1990-1991 Gulf War, and a proud pagan. When I’m not working the day job, you can find me trying to write the next book in this or my other series of books, or probably out walking one of the two dogs.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Hunted Maiden’ book?

The biggest challenge I had in writing The Hunted Maiden actually came in writing the book that the story was originally part of: The Maiden’s Song. I had always envisioned the story be quite long. And the original book was nearly 800 pages in length — when The Hunted Maiden and The Seedling’s Song were both contained with The Maiden’s Song. Based on the feedback I received from multiple readers, I ended up splitting the larger book into the two separate books — but there were originally written with the intent of being one story, the first book of a very long series. Splitting that book made me re-think I would tell the rest of the story, in smaller volumes that I originally planned.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

As a fan of epic fantasy, I have to admit that JRR Tolkien was definitely one of my original influences, but less for the Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, than because of The Silmarillion — a book that taught me to lay the foundation for the legends and history of a larger world. More recent authors who have influenced me have been George RR Martin and Patrick Rothfuss.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I think my favorite spot in the United States is small pagan sanctuary called Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary and Farm. It a small permaculture farm and wooded sanctuary that is owned by some dear friends who are huge fans of The Hunted Maiden and fellow pagans. I am on the Board of Directors of the sanctuary, so it is doubly special to me. I have done quite a bit of photography there at the sanctuary, especially with professional models who posed as Fae beings for me.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

Yes, I would say so. I do spend a lot of time coming up with the world my books are set in, so that I can come up with a very realistic setting, even though it is clearly a fantasy world. I like to know the major historical events, the various powers running the world, and how all of that impacts the characters and the story of them that I am writing. For the world of The Hunted Maiden, I came up with over 500 pages of material over several years that helped me to build that world.

Q6. How long did it take you to write both the books?

I would say that the process took about 6 years, from start to end. The final draft, which was VERY different from the first draft came together in about two years once I started on it.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find  your  books to buy?

Right now, readers can purchase from me directly (if they are in the US) or from any Amazon marketplace. It is presently exclusive to Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title “The Hunted Maiden” & “The Seedling’s Song” ?

The Hunted Maiden was the original title of the very first draft of the larger story. When I was getting ready to write the final draft, The Maiden’s Song came to me, and I used that as the original title — because what the combined story was truly focused on was for Seldy to discover who she really was, and to find her hidden song. When I needed to split The Maiden’s Song up, I needed a new title for each portion, one that reflected what the central theme of each book was without giving anything away. The Hunted Maiden because about the kidnapping of Seldy and her discovering that she wasn’t who she thought she was. The Seedling’s Song reflects the theme of Seldy becoming be a Seedling and finding her song.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I tend to only write on weekends, holidays, and off-days. But I use my time during the week to think about the story and how I want to approach what is next. While I can very fast, I am not a fast writer. I don’t typically write thousands of words a day like many writers do. I tend to focus on one scene or chapter at a time, perfect it as I can, and then move on to the next scene or chapter. Since in this series, I often switched perspective between chapters, it helped me to keep things fresh, for both myself and the reader, I hope. I like ending each chapter leaving the reader wondering what happens next to that character, but switching to a different perspective and then getting the reader so caught up in that chapter, that by the end of it, they are wondering what happens next to that character — but then realizing that they now get to find out what’s happening with that other character they were wondering about.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Yes. Many readers assume that they know who the main antagonist is fairly early in the book, but they are usually wrong. And the character they think is the true bad guy becomes bit more sympathetic the farther they go into the story.

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hello, my name is Carolyn Bowen and I’m a mystery-thriller author. I enjoy writing mysteries with an underlying theme of romance usually set in intriguing scenic locations. I love to travel and from the early age of reading Around the World in 80 Days, I’ve wanted to do just that and share the cultural experience in mystery novels.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Long Road Home’ book?

The Long Road Home was a heartfelt driven experience. I knew I was ready to write a new novel and it was approaching winter, and making a road trip could be hazardous in the snow. Yet, I felt like if I could spend some time in Charleston, a book was waiting to unfold and it did.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I am a long-time Ernest Hemingway fan. You can check my blog (cmbowenauthor.com) and read several posts about him and his books. I especially like his advice to writers. In my latest Sydney Jones Series, Chance – A Novel, he takes prominence in the Cuba setting where he wrote many of his novels.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

My favourite places are beach towns. I especially like the beaches of Northwest Florida with its crystal white sandy beaches and laid-back lifestyle.

Q5. Is there a lot to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

Yes, my writing style is a combination of being a plotter and pantser. I plan out my novel in advance and then let go and fly by the seat of my pants – pantsing. I enjoy seeing where it takes me and if I feel off course I can go back and look at the plotting and either change it or leave it as is.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘CHANCE’ book?

Chance – A Novel, book 2 in the Sydney Jones Series came together quickly after publishing Primed for Revenge. This was another one of the stories that was waiting to be told.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

All my books are on Amazon and shared by well-known publishers online. You can also find my novels in bookstores wherever fine books are sold.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Cross-Ties’ and for the book ‘ONE’?

The title for Cross-Ties came from the multigenerational ties of the main characters. The ancestral impact was clearly felt by future generations of the family. The book cover was designed to reflect the movement of the family in geographical terms.
The title for ONE – A Novel was decided before the first word was written. After reviewing my manuscript, I realized the desire of the main character was the title. The book cover shows the possibilities of that occurring. You’ll need to read the novel to understand the challenges of that happening.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Every day is a new day and my writing reflects the excitement I feel when writing. I question whether my characters staying in line today or are they acting out. Usually, the pantser wins and away we go!

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Oh, that’s a BIG yes, but I don’t want to spoil it for you.

Links: Websites and Social Media
Website (w/blog) cmbowenauthor.com – http://bit.ly/CMBNovels
Website (latest releases) carolynbowen.com – https://cmbowenauthor.com
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/CBNovels
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/CMBGoodreads
Social Media
Instagram: @carolynbowenauthor https://www.instagram.com/carolynbowenauthor/
Twitter: @cmbowenauthor – https://twitter.com/CMBowenAuthor
Facebook: http://bit.ly/CBowenFB
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/CMBPinterest
YouTube: http://bit.ly/CBowenYouTube

Book: Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares

Q1.  Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

My name is Robert P. Ottone and I’m a horror author from New York.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares’ book?

I wanted to push myself to get uglier and tell darker stories, and I’m hoping I did exactly that.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Bret Easton Ellis, Brian Evenson, HP Lovecraft, Stephen King, Jay MCInerney, so many others.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I really enjoy The Stanley Hotel in Colorado, the basis for Stephen King’s The Shining. Beautiful location, haunted as hell.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

Not at all, the important thing is just to dive right in.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares’ book?

I believe it took about four or five months all together.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares’ book to buy?

It is available on Kindle and in paperback formats.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares’?

The cover came to me in a dream, sort’ve. I wanted to highlight the novella, and I went back and forth on the second part of the title, but really loved “& Other Nightmares”

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

Reading and researching are the keys to remaining fresh, in my opinion. It’s so important to read if you want to write.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

There are some blink-and-you’ll-miss-it references to the world and stories mentioned in my first book, People: A Horror Anthology About Love, Loss, Life & Things That Go Bump in the Night.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares

Book: The Very Real World of Emily Adams

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hello! My name is Samantha J. Rose. I am a married mom of three hilarious and amazing little boys. I’m also a forever-student at Utah State University, and plan to have my Master’s Degree in Psychology some lovely, future day.

Q2.  Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Very Real World of Emily Adams’?

The title started off as a writing prompt sent out from the blog of author Chuck Wendig. He gave five random titles to choose from—which he created from a random word generator. He asked his readers to pick one title, and then write a short story to go along with it. The title I picked was “Music Box Earth.” I never did write a short story to that, but I did write the scene in my novel with Emily, her dad, and her mother’s old music box, and it became the original title of the entire book.
I felt I had to change it, though, once I was ready to attempt to pitch my novel at a writing conference. Changing it mostly consisted of me mentally banging my head against my writing desk like a pinata and then scribbling down whatever words spilled out until some of them made sense. I really wanted it to reflect some of the humor of the book, and I’ve always been drawn to long titles of things, like, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. I think that lengthy titles hold a humor in and of themselves. And what better way to add a notch to it than to have the title of a science fiction/fantasy book insist that it is, in fact, very true and real? (And, indeed, much of the story is true and real.)
The cover was designed by my husband, Paul Rose. He is an extremely talented artist and has been my rock through this whole writing process, believing in me when I stopped believing in myself. So I didn’t feel like my book would be complete without his artwork on the cover. Since the book is set up like a combination of music albums, he took some inspiration from the cover of No Doubt’s, Tragic Kingdom. And since there are Bob Ross quotes throughout the book, he actually used Bob Ross techniques to paint the skies, the tree… basically for everything but the silhouettes of Lipstick Rick and Emily.

Q3. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

For me, my stories are very character driven. I put all the focus on them and let them tell me the story. And a lot of times, they really surprise me—just like the living people in my life.
I also don’t force the characters to do things that they wouldn’t do in an attempt to move the plot forward. I genuinely hate it when stories do that. I do everything in my power to be true to the characters, and just by doing this, I find myself often surprised by the twists and turns the story takes. The characters keep me guessing. That’s what makes storytelling so exciting to me! I often don’t have any idea where things are going. All I do is throw obstacles in their path that they don’t see coming. And I hope that, if they don’t see it coming, then the reader won’t, either.

Q4. What does success means to you?

So, my motivation in writing this book was to try to help people through fiction. I’ve been down dark roads. When I reached the other side of some of my roughest moments and saw that other people were going through very similar things, I just wanted to reach out them. I wanted to let them know that they can make it through. Even if everything goes wrong, if you just hang on, and keep putting one foot in front of the other, then you’re going to make it. There is hope!
I also hoped to inspire empathy in others. Fiction is such an amazing gift. It gives you the ability to walk in someone else’s shoes for a while, and that experience can change your heart.
If just one person were to read this and feel hope, if one person were to read this and view the people around them with a little more compassion, then all of this would be worth it. That would be a success to me.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

Nah, just lots of praying and day dreaming to music. That transports me right into the heart of the scene I’m working on.

Q6. How long did it take you to write this book? Where readers can find your book to buy?

It took me about three years, but the characters have been living in my head for much, much longer.
You can preview my book on my website: https://whererosewritesverytruestories.com/
You can buy my book on:
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Very-Real-World-Emily-Adams/dp/1734904623/
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-very-real-world-of-emily-adams-samantha-j-rose/1137080437
And the Immortal Works website – https://www.immortalworks.press/product-page/the-very-real-world-of-emily-adams

Q7. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I’m from Utah in the United States, and one of my favorite places to go is the Salt Lake City Temple. The building is this gorgeous, magnificent structure, every particular put together and carved with incredible detail. It took forty years to build. And the grounds around it are absolutely beautiful. Just driving by brings me peace and serenity. When I lived close to Salt Lake City, and I was stressed or exhausted or in need of inspiration, this was the place I would run to. At Christmas time, the grounds are covered in lights, it’s like stepping into a storybook.
I’ve since moved pretty far away and I miss it like crazy, so I actually made my family take me there for my birthday a couple of years ago.
 
Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Very Real World of Emily Adams’ book?

Writer’s block. I got about halfway through my book and couldn’t write another word. It was one of those things where, my characters were trying to tell me where the story was going, but I didn’t want to hear it. I didn’t want it to take that turn. And then they stopped speaking to me. There were several months there where I didn’t write anything at all because of it.
The other struggle was, I ended up writing too much! I had only planned on writing one book, but I had all of these ideas that I wanted to cram into it. It was just too much. So, once I actually got past the writer’s block, I ended up with 164,000 words. I got it cut down to about 154,000 when I sent it into the publisher, and they gave me a “Revise and Resubmit” where they told me to cut about 30,000 more words. It was extremely painful, I had a couple of nervous breakdowns, but with the help of my editor, I did it. I decided, “Well… I guess I’ll just have to write another book.” So a lot of the stuff I cut will be in my next novel. That was the only way I could make peace with it. I would tell myself, “It’s okay… I’ll just put this in the next book…”

Q9. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams was a huge influence on my novel. The humor in it is amazing. There were moments where I was in tears, I was laughing so hard. And I just thought, “I want to do that. I want to write like that.” Emily’s last name is actually a nod to Douglas Adams (and to The Addams Family, of course, because I want to be like them someday).
Then there’s Stephen King. I’ve read The Green Mile twice, and it left a deep impression on me. It made its way so completely into my subconscious that it influenced my novel in ways that I didn’t even realize until later. I would also constantly look up quotes and interviews with him for inspiration while I was writing it. He made me feel like I could actually finish the thing—and I did!
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo also had a huge influence on this, and so did Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling, The Book of Mormon and some of the works of Edgar Allan Poe. They’ve all inspired me and made their way into my dreams.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

The last two chapters were my guiding light as I wrote The Very Real World of Emily Adams. They’re the heart of the novel.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Very Real World of Emily Adams

Book: Birth Of The Fae

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

My name is Danielle M. Orsino, I am a competitive martial artist and Nurse. However, I have left that all behind  to write the Birth of the Fae series. I have two rescue pups Carlos which anyone who has read Birth of the Fae: Locked Out of Heaven, may know him as “Los” the dragon.  Penelope my other little dog the readers will meet later in the series as “Lady Penelope” a member of the Aubane Faction. The Aubane are oversized white deer with gilded antlers but of course, Lady Penelope will have something extra special.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Birth Of The Fae’ book?

Being I am not a “Classically trained writer” the entire process was a huge learning experience. Overall writing the book was for all intensive purposes was joyful. It came from an organic place, inspired by a patient who had been undergoing long IV treatments and needed a distraction. The story was born from these sessions with him. The biggest challenges were learning the difference between show versus tell.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I love Ann Rice especially “Queen of the Damned” But honestly comics books in the sense of writing  have influenced me more than anything . I love Wonder Woman she gave me a strong female protagonist, followed by the X-men especially the early 90’s storylines.  George Lucas and Jim Henson have influenced me in how to craft a story, their idea of clean basic good versus evil resonates with me.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Disney world it is the epitome of what imagination can do.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

I write each book by hand first before I type it out, I also like to do a soundtrack for mood and the emotional journey of the book. I research as I go.  However, I wrote books one, two, three and four at the same time, so I learned so much during the process. How I go about writing five the process may change.
 
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Birth Of The Fae’ book?

As I said I wrote four of the books at the same time so I had a first rough and I mean rough draft of all four in nine months.  Birth of the Fae: Locked Out of Heaven beginning to end final edit took two years.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

It is available as a kindle and hardback on Amazon. It is also available on: Barnes and Nobles, Powells, bookshop.org, walmart.com, Books-a-million.com. It will be out as a soft cover on December 1, 2020.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Birth Of The Fae’?

The title was organic and Given the plot “Birth of the Fae: Locked Out of Heaven, Book One, Vol I.” was an easy decision.  The cover was a wonderful joint collaboration with Christine known as “The Book Cover Whisperer”  I knew I wanted a blue cover and I showed her a vintage journal cover together we discussed ideas, I wanted hidden meaning in the cover and Christine’s artistic genius came up with the final design. The dark blue is symbolic but that is for another conversation.      
 
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

That is difficult, I find that by the time book comes out I have read it a thousand times and I have moved on, but seeing it through the readers’ eyes helps so much, their excitement reinvigorates me. I love discussing it with them and seeing what they catch or little details, they come up with. It makes me want to give them a new experience and create a newer, bigger, better ride into the Veil.  I like to think Authors are tour guides for their Readers and I want to make the reader’s trip as exciting as possible.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

I think the book holds many little breadcrumbs that lead to a bigger picture since it is a part of a series. Book one is just setting the stage, we are seeing these two Angels forced to take hold of a destiny they cannot yet comprehend of the gravity of it. The characters you met, even for just a split second are all purposeful. The events taking place in Locked Out of Heaven will seem trite compared to Book two and three but the Fae will evolve and the journey flows through time book four will end up in the 21st century. The writing in book one is simple because the Fae are in a simple state of their evolution and civilization, book two the writing and problems are more sophisticated and so.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, and as the Dark Fae say “Chaos be with you”. 

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Birth Of The Fae

Book: Don’t Give Up On Me

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure to be here! I write inspirational romantic suspense stories that are Gospel centered and intertwined with God’s love and plan of redemption. I have a passion for the word and love a good Bible study. I live in Colorado with my awesome husband and two growing-up-too-fast boys! We also have a couple rescue pups. In my spare time, you can find me playing with my latest kitchen gadget and exploring the beautiful state of Colorado.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’ book?

Learning the publishing business! It’s so much more than just writing. I love the learning. I love the challenge. And there’s always something new to learn.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I would have to say more than books or authors hands on practical craft classes have done more for me than anything else.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Pennsylvania in the fall. My family is there and the state is gorgeous that time of year!

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

Always! But that’s part of the fun – the planning, the creating and then putting it all together. Some you love, some you don’t. Some you scrap, some you keep.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’ book?

Writing time was about six months. Editing and everything else tacked on another three.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’ book to buy?

The e-book is available on Amazon and it’s in Kindle Unlimited. The paperback is available at Amazon and through my website.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’?

The book had many titles. Once the book was completed, “Don’t Give Up on Me” was clearly the best title for it!
As for the cover, I did it. I worked at it until I was happy and I do love that cover! I’m very proud of it.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

The very first conference I ever went to had a wonderful speaker. The one thing she drilled into us was to keep things fresh. Basically, she scared the “fresh” into us – well, at least me! It’s a lot of work but so worth it!

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Secrets? Not really. But I can tell you that Otter Bay, Maine is a made-up town. I have always wanted to visit the coast of Maine. I did as much research on the Maine coastline as I could. I was planning a trip there this past summer but had to cancel due to Covid. I was really looking forward to seeing the area of where I placed my book. And of course, take lots and lots of pictures. Maybe next year.
Thank you so much for having me. I have really enjoyed the interview!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Don’t Give Up On Me

Website